Women of Wisdom (WoW) is a non-profit organization founded by Caroline Sithole and Thandi Dwane in 2010. The organization aims to empower and strengthen women and youth through skills development programmes. The NGO is currently funded by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.
The objective of the program is to provide beneficiaries with a source of income.
WoW has equipped more than 1000 beneficiaries with skills ranging from knitting, crocheting, baking, gardening, beading, arts and craft, and sewing. The beneficiaries have learned to make items produced from recycled material and have also been given awareness on Gender-based violence, alchohol and substance abuse to mention to mention a few victim empowerment programmes that they run.
To date the organisation has had a footprint in areas as far as Port Nolloth, Sprigbok, Pampierstad, and Delpoortshoop. At the beginning of 2021, the organisation has extended its reach to include indigenous communities from Platfontein. Twenty beneficiaries are participating in vegetable gardening.
In her back yard, a mother of two boys, Mote Mbangu, has planted mealies and Matiti (a traditional cabbage-like vegetable) The 28-year-old Mote, could not contain her excitement to be part of the project and indicated that she would buy more seeds and medicine for her crops with a portion of her stipend. Currently, her family is surviving on social grants.
Kordino Samba, a 45-year-old husband, sole breadwinner to seven mouths to feed, is a CPA Administrator and seasonal court interpreter, is relieved and cannot wait for the initiative to start. Samba has planted Melies, Katolo (tastes like spinach) and tomatoes in his yard, and intends to plant other vegetables when the project starts.
WoW will request beneficiaries to share the harvest with neighbours , community centers such as orphanages and nursing homes in a time of need.
The program fills the void left by unemployment, addresses poverty, and encourages individuals to use their talent or hands to make a living. The commitment from residents proves they appreciate this initiative.
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